My Genealogy Hound

ELDRED D. PETERS, a prominent business man of Slatington, is a member of the firm of E. D. Peters & Co., manufacturers and miners of the Franklin Vein Slate, and one of the leading and most substantial slate firms of this place, as they produce an article of superior quality, and do an extensive wholesale and jobbing business. Their trade extends to many parts of the United States, and even as far south as San Antonio, Tex. Mr. Peters has been active in many local enterprises, and was one of the promoters and founders of the Electric Light, Heat and Power Company, of which he is President and Manager. The birth of Eldred Peters occurred in Carbon County, February 13, 1853. His father, Aaron Peters, is also a native of the same county, and makes his home in Slatington, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife, who is now seventy-two years of age, bore the maiden name of Susan Ringer, and was born in Lehigh County. Henry Peters, our subject’s paternal grandfather, was born in Carbon County, and his family, who were among the early settlers in the Keystone State, originally came from Switzerland.

Up to the age of eleven years Eldred D. Peters resided in the county of his birth, where he received his early schooling, later entering the public schools of Slatington. Subsequently for three years he pursued his studies in the State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster County. Prior to this, however, when only twelve years of age, he entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, with which company he remained one year. When fifteen years old he entered the store in Slatington, where he clerked for a time, afterward attending the normal school. On completing his education he learned the shoemaker’s trade, at which he worked for a year and a-half, and then for a time clerked for various parties. In 1874 he accepted a place as clerk of the Ironton Railroad at Ironton, Pa., serving faithfully as such for four years. Being of an enterprising turn of mind, during this time he also engaged in selling coal on commission.

It was in 1878 that Mr. Peters returned to Slatington to engage in the business of selling coal and roofing slate, in which he was active until 1882, when he turned his attention more particularly to the mining and manufacture of slate goods, which business he has conducted successfully until the present. The firm of which he is a member was established in 1883, the partners being E. D. and W. K. Peters. Since 1877 Mr. Peters has been a stockholder and Director in the Bank of Slatington, and was one of the organizers of the institution. In addition to this he was a stockholder and Director in the Slatington Rolling Mill Company, and in his numerous investments he has met with marked success, for he is careful and correct in his judgment, and has manifested good business ability. E. D. Peters & Co., besides their other enterprises, run a large general store, it being one of the most extensive in Slatington.

In 1875 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Geiger, of Slatington, daughter of Jonas Geiger, a well known resident of this place. Two sons grace their union: Charles Douglas, who is a student at Lafayette College, and Edward Martin, who is attending the public schools. The parents are faithful members of the Reformed Church, and are well received in the social circles of this city. Mr. Peters, who is a pronounced Republican in politics, was Burgess of Slatington, and has served in the City Council several times.